Colman Domingoplays civil rights activist BayardRustin, an organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, in theNetflixfilmRustin.
Domingo said he felt a responsibility to introduce Rustin to modern audiences.
It was a great calling honestly, Domingo said at Deadlines Contenders Film: Los Angeles event.
So I knew this was an opportunity to pull him out of the shadows.
Domingo himself remembered discovering Rustin at 19 at his schools African American Student Union.
Then I questioned my whole education because I didnt know about him, Domingo said.
It made me realize I need to interrogate my history at all times and look at history clearly.
We need to know that and also we need to inspire.
ComposerBranford Marsalissaid Rustin wont be limited to those interested in history or Black stories.
To me, its not a Black story, Marsalis said.
Its a human story.
Black folks are in it.
Its not one of those films that turns into a heavy handed documentary that bangs you over the head.
Its an uplifting story.
People will know about Bayard the way we know a lot of things, through movies.
Domingo did an impeccable President Obama as he described the Zoom call the production had.
They were going, Were really going to get through this.
I want you to stay healthy.
I want you to look after each other.
Remember why were doing this.
All right, Colman, Ill see you on the trail.
Absolutely, Mr. President.
Its an opportunity to inspire people now to feel like all is not hopeless, Domingo said.
We watch the news every day.
Were living through some very dark times and painful times.
Rustin is a clarion call.
Ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
All you should probably do is whats in front of you today.
Be kind, generous, form coalitions.
People who organized the March on Washington were 19 years old.
They were not old stodgy men.
Thats what Rustin did.
Thats the spirit in which I led this film.
Check out the panel video above.
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